December 2020
Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends of MinneapolisNEXT,
We hope this letter finds you well and coping with the unique challenges of 2020! Indeed, it has been a difficult year for all, although especially so for education and the families we reach through MinneapolisNEXT, many of whom have been hit the hardest by the pandemic thereby creating additional stresses on our scholars in getting the education they desire and deserve.
So, it is with an even greater need to address that we come to you, in this 22nd year of MinneapolisNEXT creating opportunities for determined and deserving youth in the Twin Cities. The 2020-21 school year brought another strong class of 45 MinneapolisNEXT scholars in our flagship high school scholarship program. In addition, we continue MinneapolisNEXT’s long-time financial support of the Hollywood Studio of Dance in North Minneapolis and the Phelps Activities Council (Phelps Park) in South Minneapolis, two neighborhood anchors whose leaders have been steadfast in their perseverance and support of local youth.
A couple years ago we told you about the determined JT Baker, former MinneapolisNEXT scholar attending Cornell University, fulfilling his dream of an Ivy League education. We’re proud to update that JT was elected with overwhelming student body support to be the student representative on Cornell’s Board of Trustees. JT gave an inspiring address to the Cornell student body earlier this year at the historic Sage Chapel on Cornell’s campus, sending a strong message of hope. You can find a YouTube video of it by searching “James (JT) Baker” and “In the Presence of Hope.” This is what your generous donations support!
There is no more efficient way to put your charitable giving to work. The Board of Directors of MinneapolisNEXT is all volunteer and pays all the organization’s modest administrative expenses. As such, a full 100 percent of your donations directly benefit determined and deserving youth.
Please give what you can. We know that for some it is a difficult year economically, so any amount of contribution is greatly appreciated.
Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season,
Rexford L. Holland
Co-Founder and President, MinneapolisNEXT